There’s nothing like “Lingonsylt” when you’re homesick, and it functions much like Ketchup, it goes with everything! Lingonberry preserve is a staple in Swedish households and added to breakfast oatmeal, hasbrowns, pancakes, liver patties and much more. In the US, you’ve likely encountered it at old faithful Ikea, accompanied with meatballs and cream sauce, sound familiar? Sometimes I just stop by Ikea for some tea-light candles, lingonberry, an occasional jar of pickled herring and tube of Kalles Kaviar... all items that calms that homesick feeling.

Most Americans are not familiar with the lingonberry. Lingonberries grow wild in Scandinavian forests and in Northern Canada. These wild berries flourish in the summer during the midnight sun. They are small firm berries with a slightly sweet and slightly sour flavor. Lingonberry Preserve is a traditional Scandinavian food with an exotic flavor.

Over the years, I’ve come to experiment with Lingonberry preserve. I needed that extra kick so I decided to take Lingonberries to the next level by adding Califonia Just Chili hot sauce and fresh grated ginger, it really works! I use it as a glaze over baked salmon, as a condiment to sweet potatoes and veggies, in my lingonberry cabbage slaw and much more.

I long to pick my own Lingonberries (you lucky Swedes) and make homemade preserve with natural organic ingredients, but for now (since the US department of agriculture wont like me filling up my suitcase with fresh picked berries) I settle with the Ikea or Felix kind.

2 dl Lingonberry preserve
about a teaspoon of Cali Just Chili hot sauce (or any other hot sauce)
2-3 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger
mix it all together!